Clarity in Every Seat: The 1 SOUND Audio System Behind Foster Theater
Interior at Foster Theater
In Southeast Portland, Foster Theater is bringing renewed life to a historic venue originally built in 1910. Now reimagined as a 250-seat performing arts space, the theater supports dance, music, and theater programming within an intimate, carefully renovated interior.
The theater’s interior was rebuilt from the ground up. The space was designed first and foremost for dance performances.
John Bottrell, the audio designer and installer, explained, “We needed [the audio experience] to have energy and be pleasant at the same time.”
The system also needed to maintain a minimal visual footprint and support a range of programming beyond dance.
Bottrell identified the room as an ideal candidate for a point source solution rather than a traditional line array, given the layout of the theater. After being encouraged to explore 1 SOUND, he connected with the team to develop a system tailored to the theater’s size, acoustic characteristics, and multi-use goals.
The final system features two Contour CT28 loudspeakers flown as the main left and right, supported by two SUB215 subwoofers for low-frequency extension. Six Cannon C6 loudspeakers serve as both front fills for close seating sections and stage fills, ensuring performers can hear music clearly as they move across the stage. In the upstairs lounge overlooking the theater, four Cannon C4 loudspeakers extend coverage into the balcony environment. The system is powered by Powersoft Unica amplifiers.
With curtains and absorption built into the room, the loudspeakers integrated naturally into the space. According to John, “there’s literally no additionalEQ. It speaks to how clear the speakers are.”. From stage to seating to lounge, coverage feels consistent — an essential element for dancers who rely on clarity as they move.
Following the theater’s grand opening, the response was immediate and enthusiastic. The system delivered as intended, supporting Foster Theater’s mission to create a welcoming home for performance and community in Portland.
“The system sounded so nice. Everybody was so happy, just blown away,” explains Bottrell.
Products Used: Contour CT28, SUB215, C6, C4, Powersoft Unica Amplifiers
Installation By: John Bottrell
